Wombling Free

Wombling Free is a 1977 film that tells the story of the Wombles, small creatures that live in Wimbledon Common, London. Based on the popular children's books by Elisabeth Beresford, the film is a heartwarming tale of friendship, adventure, and environmentalism.

The movie begins with the introduction of orphaned young girl Julia, played by Bonnie Langford, who is left to live with her grandfather, played by David Tomlinson. Julia is curious and adventurous, and it's not long before she discovers the Wombles of Wimbledon Common, led by the lovable Great Uncle Bulgaria. The Wombles are a group of animals who live in a network of burrows and tunnels beneath the grass, and they pride themselves on being resourceful and eco-friendly.

When Julia's grandfather threatens to sell their house and turn the common into a golf course, the Wombles realize that they must take action. They devise a plan to recycle the unwanted items that are littered across the common and turn them into useful products, in order to show Julia's grandfather and the other humans that they are a valuable and important part of the community.

Throughout the film, we follow the Wombles as they gather up discarded items- everything from a broken washing machine to an old gramophone- and repurpose them in creative ways. They make furniture out of old egg cartons, build a music studio out of an abandoned van, and even design and build a wind-powered generator.

Alongside the Wombles, Julia also learns some valuable lessons about the importance of conservation and caring for the environment. Her grandfather, initially skeptical of the Wombles and their way of life, eventually comes around and sees the error of his ways.

The film is filled with charming performances, particularly from David Tomlinson as the kindly and curious grandfather, and Frances de la Tour as the Lady Wimbledon, who is both amused and baffled by the Wombles' antics. Bonnie Langford is delightful as Julia, bringing a sense of youthful enthusiasm and wonder to the role.

The Wombles themselves are brought to life through a combination of live-action footage and puppetry, with adorable designs that are sure to delight children and adults alike. They are a motley crew of creatures, with names like Orinoco, Madame Cholet, and Bungo, who are both resourceful and delightful.

Though the film is over 40 years old, its messages about conservation and environmentalism are as relevant today as they were in the 1970s. The Wombles' mission to clean up the common and turn waste into something useful is a timeless lesson that can be enjoyed by all ages.

Overall, Wombling Free is a delightful and heartwarming family film that is full of charm and humor. It's a celebration of the power of community and the importance of caring for the environment, with a cast of lovable characters that are impossible not to root for.